Cash-in-transit heists: The truth behind the upward surge in robberies

An expert gives his take.

Inadequate training of security personnel, outdated vans and lack of decisive action from police are among many factors which have led to the surge in the number of cash-in-transit heists, according to one industry expert.

In recent months, few days have gone without reports of either a foiled or successful heist, which has led to the people tasked with transporting money from one location to another fearing for their lives, as they feel that they are soft targets and not adequately protected.

The truth behind cash-in-transit heists

“They are expected to carry out this dangerous job without the adequate skills to avert danger and protect themselves – this is simply not acceptable,” he says.

According to Condon, it’s not only the inadequate training putting them in danger, but the vehicles currently in use also do not have the to deal with the strain exerted by the explosives used by criminals these days.

“The vehicles are not properly maintained, they do not feature sufficient armour, and they put those who already have a target on their backs at even greater risk,” he added.

“Security companies employing the Cash In Transit security officers have a clear duty of care to ensure their officers’ safety – but it seems they are falling miserably short. What liability are these firms taking for the public often caught up, injured or killed in these heists?”

Kyle Condon. Photo: Supplied.

A thorough look into how these incidents are dealt with is required

Recently, an alleged kingpin of a syndicate pulling cash-in-transit heists was arrested and there were reported links between him and a police constable.

Condon believes the status quo as it is is quite conducive to more of these attacks taking place.

“Why is there so little investigation into where the explosives are coming from?” he says.

“When using explosives, how are the criminals getting into the vehicles without damaging the money inside? Unless it transpires that there was a police officer intimately involved in a heist (as was the case recently), there is also very little communication with the public about the nationality of the individuals who are caught for this crime.”

He recommends measures such as backup convoys for protection, which – although they will add to operational costs – are unlikely to burn the pocket as much as the loss of funds incurred during a successful heist, and will serve the greater purpose of preventing loss of life.

“With predictable schedules, a lack of training and inadequately vetted staff who share sensitive information, every Cash In Transit trip is simply a ticking time bomb.”